71st AIPS Congress opens in Beijing, China

The 71st Annual Congress of the Association of International Press for Sports (AIPS) opened in Beijing, China, on Thursday.
The Congress, a gathering of representatives of National Sports Journalists Associations was to discuss the future of sports journalism in the face of recent technological developments.
It is also aimed at updating sports journalists on preparations made for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and to facilitate a smooth working relationship with the organisers of the event.
About 120 delegates drawn from all the five continents are participating in the four day event.
Mr Giano Mirlo, President of AIPS said sports journalism has witnessed drastic changes over the past years due to the evolution of various means of communication putting the profession at the crossroad.
He said sports journalists must therefore study the new phenomenon carefully and take effective part in the evolution, in a bid to carry out their duties effectively.
Mr Mirlo described 2008 as a challenging year for sports journalists as it comes with a lot of anticipation, expectations and excitement of making new friends and meeting deadlines as well.
He said sports journalists must also use the occasion to promote cultural interaction, tolerance and to support the less fortunate ones in securing world peace.
Mr Mirlo said noted that sports should not be viewed as just a physical activity but an instrument of change for socio-economic development which must be embraced by all.
"These are the legacies that sports journalists can bequeath to China after the Olympics." The AIPS President noted.
He however appealed to journalists covering the Olympic Games to abide by the rules of the organisers and the event in order to ensure a successful hosting of the event by China.


(William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Beijing, China)